Red Belted Goby

Sicyopus zosterophorus

Red Belted Goby is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep as a harem of 3+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep as a harem of 3+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Red Belted Goby?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep as a harem of 3+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Belted Goby is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Supply small live or frozen animal foods. This species does not graze biofilm as its main aquarium diet; dried foods are commonly ignored.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep as a harem of 3+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Bereme Creek Goby Sicyopus beremeensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Annie’s Goby Stiphodon annieae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Aureofuscus Goby Stiphodon aureofuscus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bar Cheek Goby Rhinogobius giurinus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Bird Song Goby Stiphodon surrufus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Belted Goby get?

Red Belted Goby reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Belted Goby need?

Use an aquarium of at least 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Belted Goby peaceful?

Yes. Red Belted Goby is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Red Belted Goby?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.

Should Red Belted Goby be kept alone or in a group?

Red Belted Goby: Keep as a harem of 3+.